The “Castello del Motto” at Gravellona Toce (VB) is a fortified complex, only mentioned in two documents (1028 and 1190), occupying the summit of the hill of the same name (325 m a.s.l.). The second excavation campaign saw the extension of the area opened in 2016 (100 m2) and the complete excavation of the stratigraphy present inside Building M and the external courtyard. The results provided a more precise definition of the construction and chronological sequences in the area, and evidence relating to the building’s function.

Three construction phases were documented, approximately datable to between the 11th and 13th centuries. In this regard, it is important to state that the scarce archaeological material found (coarse ware pottery, soapstone and metal, at present being studied), did not provide any precise dating elements, but only an outline chronology.

As the research stands at the moment, the earliest phase can be attributed to the construction of an outer curtain wall of cobblestones arranged in a herringbone pattern, which surrounds the entire summit of Motto (11th century). In this period, the investigated area was an open courtyard characterised by the presence of pits and enclosures. Later (12th century), building M was constructed abutting the curtain wall. Measuring 5.5 × 14.5 m, it was built of rough-hewn granite blocks in regular courses, and the presence of large pits inside it suggest it can be interpreted as a warehouse. To the exterior, there was a terraced courtyard. Probably in the 13th century, the building was restructured with the creation of a new larger entrance and a roof of imbrex tiles. The presence of a hearth inside a stone structure and some slag, suggests a change in function (craft working activity?); the terrace wall in the courtyard was also rebuilt. The collapse of the structure can be dated to a slightly later period, perhaps contemporary with the destruction of the entire fortified complex.

The opening of new excavation areas, together with the analysis of the standing structures, archaeological material and collected samples, will provide a more precise definition of the construction evolution and chronology of the entire complex, as well as clarifying cultural and palaeo-environmental aspects of the site.